“IS THAT WRONG?”
Last evening we had our second group gathering in Our study of Worldviews by the Truth Project, a Focus on the Family sponsored study lead by Dr. Del Tackett, Senior Vice President of Focus on the Family. The topic / tour this week was “Philosophy & Ethics”.
There were several ‘takeaways’, but the one thing we discussed the most was titled,
“What is Right? What is wrong? – Ethical implications of postmodernism”.
The conclusion presented by the Dr. Tackett and other theologians on the video was that there is no basis for ethical standards or ethical language in a naturalistic or Non-Christian, Non-Biblical worldview”. To emphasize that point, I told of this real life occurrence:
I was stopped by an acquaintance while on a walk and he asked me, “What do you think of these riots and the looting?”
I responded with, “I think it’s a shame that people are burning down cities and business after looting them and killing people in the process. I think it is evil.”
This acquaintance quickly countered with, “Well, they had no choice.” His response was so quick that I felt he knew what he was going to say even before I could answer him. In other words, he was just wanting to start an argument and espouse his point of view, his worldview, if you will.
I answered him. But, before I tell what I said, I would like to know what you would have said.
Before you answer, please remember,
1. Although I was unaware, at first, it became apparent that this guy was wanting to argue, not discuss to subject which he introduced.
2. This guy was wanting to promote his worldview. He did not really want a discussion and he did not to hear my view.
So, what would you have said to him?
My answer to his remark that ‘the looters and rioters had no other choice’ was, “You don’t solve evil with more evil.”
Again, this man responded with a flat, “They had no choice”. I repeated myself, “You cannot solve the evils of racism by responding with the evils of hate, revenge, murder, and destruction. It is WRONG!”
This man dismissed me with a wave of his hand, saying, “Well, that’s your opinions”, as he prepared to ride away on his bicycle.
I finished my remarks to him with, “Yes, it is my opinion, but it is more. It is the truth. Your view is that evil, revenge and hate are okay – and that is wrong!”
The point is, we, as Christians, are to say what is true without arguing or trying to convince anyone. The Truth will stand on its own. But, we must speak it simply and directly and with conviction, remembering, “they have been taken captive in their imaginations” and we must “gently instruct them” yet let our “speech be seasoned with salt” . (Colossians 4:5-6)
My wife, Betty Young, who usually doesn’t say much in these gatherings, highlighted our closing, “You can’t change people by external influences or fancy arguments. It is a matter of the heart. God has to change their heart before they will change their mind. We just need to tell them the Truth.”
Wow! Yes! We must speak up! And, with the Truth from God’s point of view, which is found exclusively in the Bible. Then leave the results to God.
Of course we stand ready with the answer for our Hope, but, ultimately, it is up to God.
“For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.”
I recommend this study. Contact me if you need assistance. We need to “Be prepared with an answer”. Your Brother and Friend,
Mike Young